Detector, Charge Coupled Device

This is a front illuminated charge-coupled device, SITE Model SI503AF. The surface of this CCD contains a square array of 1024 by 1024 pixels for a total of over one million elements. Because of their enhanced sensitivity and ruggedness CCDs have become the dominant means for space imaging applications. The diodes convert light photons directly to electical signals which are then processed digitally to produce images. Front illumination means that each diode, or pixel, is oriented such that the light passes through an active matrix before it gets to the actual photosensitive surface.

This example was manufactured by Scientific Imaging Technologies Inc. and donated by them to NASM in 2000.